Swabalambi Basic School of the Deaf was founded in 2011 in Nilkantha Municipality Ward No 8, Murali Bhanjyang, Dhading, Nepal, with the vision of providing accessible education to deaf children in a region where such opportunities were scarce or nonexistent. The school was established by Ram Prasad Adhikari, a profoundly deaf individual. Motivated by his own experiences and the desire to create a supportive learning environment for deaf children, Ram Prasad Adhikari took on the challenge of starting a school that would use Nepali Sign Language as the main medium of instruction.

In its early days, Swabalambi operated out of a temporary space — a brick shell of an unfinished farmhouse generously loaned by a local family. Despite limited resources, the school began with 34 students ranging from ages 5 to 14, enrolled in grades 1 through 6. The early years were marked by determination and community support, as the school sought to build awareness and acceptance of deaf education in the area.

By 2014, with the help of donations and support from organizations such as the Alberta Incentive Program, Swabalambi was able to move into a newly constructed building that included classrooms and hostel facilities. This development was a major milestone, allowing the school to expand its programs and offer a more stable and nurturing environment for its students. Since then, Swabalambi has continued to grow, overcoming challenges such as natural disasters while remaining committed to its mission of empowering deaf children through education.

The founder of Swabalambi Basic School of the Deaf, Ram Prasad Adhikari, is a profoundly deaf individual whose personal journey has deeply shaped the school’s mission and vision. Growing up in Nepal, Ram faced the many challenges that come with being deaf in a society where educational resources and opportunities for deaf children were extremely limited. Despite these obstacles, he persevered with determination and a passion for learning. His academic achievement is a testament to his dedication and belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Ram’s experiences as a deaf person in Nepal gave him unique insight into the barriers faced by children like him—lack of accessible schooling, communication difficulties, and social exclusion. Motivated by a desire to change this reality, he envisioned a school where deaf children could learn in their own language—Nepali Sign Language—and develop the skills they needed to succeed. His goal was not only to provide education but also to create a community that embraces and empowers deaf individuals.

With this vision, Ram Adhikari took bold steps to establish Swabalambi Basic School of the Deaf in 2011. Starting from very humble beginnings in a borrowed unfinished farmhouse, he worked tirelessly to build the school from the ground up. His leadership, personal commitment, and advocacy helped attract support from local families, donors, and organizations. Today, Swabalambi stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for deaf children in Nepal, a direct reflection of Ram’s lifelong dedication to inclusion and education.

Swabalambi Basic School of the Deaf is grounded in core values that emphasize inclusion, empowerment, and respect for every individual’s unique abilities. The school believes that every child, regardless of hearing ability, deserves access to quality education in a supportive and understanding environment. Central to its values is the use of Nepali Sign Language as the primary means of communication and instruction, ensuring that students can fully engage, express themselves, and learn without barriers.

The school is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and belonging among its students, their families, and the broader society. It promotes respect, dignity, and equal opportunity, working to break down the stigma and misconceptions often associated with deafness. Swabalambi also values resilience and adaptability, demonstrated through its response to challenges such as natural disasters, always prioritizing the safety and education of its students.

The mission of Swabalambi Basic School of the Deaf is to provide accessible, high-quality education tailored to the needs of deaf children in Nepal. By empowering students through education and vocational skills, the school aims to open doors to greater social inclusion and independence. Ultimately, Swabalambi strives to create an environment where deaf children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Swabalambi Basic School of the Deaf has actively collaborated with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance its educational programs and community outreach. 

These collaborations have allowed the school to create a more secure and conducive learning environment for its students. The involvement of these NGOs has also helped increase awareness about deaf education in the wider community, helping to break down social barriers and encourage acceptance.

Beyond these partnerships, Swabalambi has engaged in various community development activities aimed at promoting inclusion and self-reliance among deaf children and their families. These projects have included vocational training, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Through these collaborative efforts, the school continues to build a strong network of support that benefits not only its students but the broader community as well.